Out of the Box: 10 Amazing Underground Homes

Tall buildings have long symbolized towering achievement, but architects in the know say the new up is down—into the ground, that is.

For years the phrase "underground living" was reserved for cramped war bunkers and dingy basements, but a new crop of dwellings—either partially or fully submerged into the ground—have evolved into modern art forms, boasting dynamic shapes and cutting-edge energy efficiency.

When builders were given the surprise approval to break ground so close to the famous thermal baths of Vals, they decided to conceal the villa inside an alpine slope. The formal entrance of the home is through a barn and an underground tunnel on the other side of the hill. Interested in staying here? Visitors can view pricing and availability at the website.